A motorcycle accident can leave you in pain and worried about paying a growing stack of medical bills. In addition, getting through the red tape of insurance claims can be cumbersome. Our motorcycle accident team can help get you on the road to recovery.
A Westchester personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine is ready to help you get the compensation you deserve. Our team understands the complex laws affecting motorcycle riders and how they might impact your case. Our attorney will listen to what happened, identify the liable party, and hold them accountable for your damages.
Riding a Motorcycle Can Prove Dangerous
In 2020, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that motorcycle riders are involved in fatalities at a much more than occupants of a passenger vehicle.
Motorcyclists are five times more likely to be injured, according to recent research, even though they only make up three percent of vehicles registered in the United States. Risk factors include inadequate safety gear and the fact that motorcycles are smaller than passenger cars. Another major contributing factor is inattentive drivers.
In 2020, motorcycle accidents led to 83,000 injuries per Insurance Information Institute (III) data. Yet, the freedom of the road draws adventurous souls from all walks of life. If you’re a rider and you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, a Westchester motorcycle accident attorney at our firm can help you pursue the compensation you need to move forward.
Types of Injuries Commonly Seen in Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents tend to result in severe injuries that have long-lasting effects on the injured party. According to the NHTSA, the most common injury is damage to the leg.
Other injuries you may have as the result of a motorcycle accident include:
- Spinal injuries (including paralysis)
- Whiplash
- Cuts, scrapes, and bruises
- Broken ribs, arms, and legs
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Lost limbs
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
Riders wearing proper safety gear do fare better. Florida Statutes § 316.211 does not require riders over 21 to wear helmets if they carry insurance of up to $10,000 in medical benefits in case of a crash.
Recoverable Expenses in a Westchester Motorcycle Accident Case
All Florida drivers must carry a minimum of $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 in property damage liability (PDL). Motorcycles have different insurance rules and do not have PIP coverage.
Regardless of your insurance coverage, if you have been in an accident that was not your fault, you deserve compensation to cover your medical expenses. You may also be eligible for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
Economic damages cover your accident-related expenses, including medical costs, lost wages, changes in employability, and repair or replacement of your motorcycle.
Medical expenses can include:
- Ambulance or other medical transportation
- Emergency room treatment
- Medical equipment, including wheelchairs, crutches, and splints
- Medications
- Hospital stays
- Follow-up medical appointments
- Occupational and physical therapy
- Home modifications, including wheelchair ramps and safety equipment
- Surgeries, including pending procedures
A Westchester motorcycle accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can assist you in compiling and organizing the costs associated with your injuries.
When You Lose a Loved One in a Motorcycle Accident
If you lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, please accept our condolences. This period of grieving is never easy on the remaining family. However, a Westchester motorcycle accident attorney can help you get the financial recovery you need to keep your family afloat.
When a fatal accident is the fault of another, you may be entitled to wrongful death damages. Having an attorney prepare a wrongful death case will allow your family the time they deserve to deal with the loss while not worrying about the financial burden. You may receive additional damages, such as:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Final medical expenses associated with the accident
- Lost wages if the decedent was the primary earner
Know that you and your family are not alone. Our team is here to assist you through this difficult time and handle your case from start to finish.
When a Motorcycle Accident Wasn’t Your Fault
Under no-fault laws, it doesn’t matter who was at fault for an accident. Your insurance covers initial expenses. However, the rules are different when motorcycles are involved. The injuries often exceed applied insurance benefits. If the accident wasn’t your fault or was only partially your fault, you can seek compensation from the at-fault driver.
The Elements of Negligence Explained
Four elements must be present to prove that the other driver was negligent in causing the accident:
- Duty of care – the at-fault driver had a duty of care to keep you and other motorists safe from harm
- Breach of duty – the at-fault driver breached that duty by failing to heed a traffic signal, running a stop sign, or speeding for example
- Causation – that breach of duty caused the accident
- Damages – you suffered damages as a result
Benefits of Working With a Westchester Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
One of the most significant benefits of having a Westchester motorcycle accident lawyer is that you can concentrate on healing while they compile your claim. Our attorney will handle the following for you:
- Compiling investigative information about your accident
- Assessing your monetary and non-economic damages
- Interviewing witnesses to support your claim
- Obtaining video surveillance from nearby stationary cameras
- Collecting and compiling documentation of your injuries
- Checking with experts to reconstruct the events that occurred
- Submitting necessary legal documents to the appropriate office or court
- Negotiating with the defendant’s legal rep or insurance company
- Representing you in court if settlement discussions fail
If you are recovering in the hospital or at home due to your injuries, you can be assured that our motorcycle accident team is working on your behalf.
Taking the Next Step
Your next step is to contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine to begin your complimentary consultation. Our team member will explain the process to you and evaluate your case. Our firm does not require any upfront fees; we only get paid when your case is resolved.
We Can Help.
